SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – “The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), the official authorized representative of the Thoroughbred breeding industry in New York State, stands in strong support with Florida Thoroughbred breeders, owners, and horsemen in opposition to decoupling live horse racing and gaming in the state of Florida.

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

El Potente, which translates to “the powerful,” lived up to his moniker with a clear victory in the Grade 3 Thunder Road, a $100,000 test for 4-year-olds and older going a mile on the turf at Santa Anita Saturday. Trained by Dan Blacker and ridden by Hector Berrios, the 6-year-old El Potente earned his first stakes victory while winning for the second time in two starts this year.

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Bella Mia Stables’ Fluid Situation goes for his second win in three starts Sunday at Tampa Bay Downs when the Florida-bred gelding heads a field of nine 4-year-olds and older running under second level, $32,000 optional claiming conditions going six furlongs. The $53,000 purse includes $18,000 from the Florida-bred Incentive Fund and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and $2,500 in Florida Owner Awards.

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Feb. 1, 2013—Stallwalkin’ Dude, whose six-year career on the track ended with earnings of $1,741,397, won his first race in his second career start at Gulfstream Park for trainer Michael Yates. The then 3-year-old gelding rallied from mid-pack in the 12-horse maiden special weight to win by two-and-a-half lengths with Manoel Cruz aboard. He covered six-and-a-half furlongs in a modest 1:18.47 and paid $19 and earn $25,200 for owner Shadybrook Farm and breeder Maria Montez Haire.

According to the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), a private facility in Palm Beach County, Fla., has been placed under quarantine by the FDACS as of Jan. 31 due a horse testing positive for strangles.